News Briefs

About 30,000 families in southern Mozambique have been in a state of famine since March, and many are now reduced to feeding on leaves, roots and wild fruits. • As Caritas Pakistan workers entered the worst-hit areas in that country to assess damage, government officials reported on Sept. 12 that monsoon rains have devastated communities, claiming at least 78 lives and damaging or destroying 1,600 homes. • Youcef Nadarkhani, the Church of Iran pastor sentenced to death for apostasy from Islam, was released from prison on Sept. 8 and is at home with his family. • Ukrainian bishops from around the world convened in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Sept. 9 for the worldwide Ukrainian Catholic Synod of Bishops. • The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has launched a Spanish-language page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/USCCBEspanol[4]) that will feature news updates and faith-building resources. • Mary Rose McGeady, of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul, who took over New York’s Covenant House after its founder was accused of financial and sexual improprieties, died in Albany on Sept. 13 at the age of 84.